Chamber names Irish Person of Year

KINGSTON — There was nothing honorary about the annual Honorary Irish Person of the Year Breakfast.

James Walsh

KINGSTON — There was nothing honorary about the annual Honorary Irish Person of the Year Breakfast.

In a surprising break with tradition, Sister Mary Feehan, whose roots extend to the auld sod's County Tyrone and County Tipperary, stepped off the podium, her hands around a shiny golden plaque proclaiming her Irish Person of the Year, and on her head a knitted white tam.

Feehan, the former vice president of mission at Benedictine Hospital, was clearly shocked when Ward Todd, president of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, announced her name along with the new title.

"I'm awed because it's never been an Irish person before," Feehan said after thanking the chamber and offering a blessing for those in attendance. "I know they're giving it to the sisters for a century of service to the community. It's really for all of them."

The first Peter B. Mathews honorary Irish Person of the Year was a Pizzarelli. That was 44 years ago. A Beichert claimed the honor in 2011. Last year's winner was Greg Chorvas, superintendent of parks and buildings for the Town of Saugerties, who claimed Greek and Polish ancestry.

"I'd been looking for a way for the chamber to honor the Benedictine Sisters, and at the same time be more inclusive," Todd said of changing the award. "Going forward, we'll honor everyone, regardless of their heritage."

The 112 years that the religious order served the community at Benedictine Hospital merited recognition, Todd said, noting the hospital's merger with Kingston Hospital into a full-service secular operation run by HealthAlliance. The Benedictines will continue to provide pastoral care.

Feehan appeared to be a popular choice. She soaked up a hearty round of applause, and was quickly surrounded by well-wishers.

"That surprised all of us," said Len Cane, a former chamber president who dreamed up the annual award breakfast.

"She's a great lady," Cane said, "and as you can see, no one was disappointed."

Activities leading to the award presentation were largely unchanged. Chamber members fastened freshly cut green carnations to their lapels upon arrival, courtesy of J&A Roofing Co., then lined a lengthy buffet of pastries, eggs, bangers and French toast. On every table was the de rigueur pitcher of green orange juice.

Bagpipers from Kingston's Ancient Order of Hibernians ushered in past honorees, and door prizes were awarded. The luck of the Irish shone on Ellen O'Leary, who won an oil change. The Kingston Lions Club's Roar'n Pride Band warmed up the early morning with tunes like Hoagy Carmichael's "Stardust."

Standing ovations rewarded fourth- through eighth-grade violinists and singers from St. Joseph School, and Pat Clausi, a lady Hibernian, was feted as Kingston's Mayor of the Day. She spoke of Hibernian efforts to feed the area's poor.

"I hope we continue to do all we can for our friends, community and everyone in need," Clausi told the audience.

Despite the unexpected award change, the event seemed much as Cane envisioned it 44 years ago.

"There were 23 people in the audience for that one," Cane said. "There are 300 here today "» I wanted something light and airy, something to bring the community together."